Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima has revealed a personal wish during a film festival in Rome, reflecting on mortality, creative legacy, and the influence of cinema on his games
Hideo Kojima, the veteran game director behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has made headlines after expressing a striking personal wish during a recent appearance at a film festival in Rome. Known for his deep appreciation of cinema and its influence on his work, Kojima discussed his thoughts on mortality, creative legacy, and the ongoing relationship between film and video games.
Kojima's Statement at Il Cinema in Piazza
During the 12th edition of Il Cinema in Piazza, hosted by the Piccolo America Foundation in Rome, Kojima shared that he would like to pass away in a cinema, specifically at the moment just before a film begins. The comment, delivered in Japanese and later shared on his official X account, was made with a mix of seriousness and humour. Kojima explained that the anticipation and atmosphere before a film starts is his favourite part of the experience, highlighting his lifelong passion for movies.
This public reflection is consistent with Kojima's established persona as a dedicated cinemaphile. His social media profiles and public appearances frequently reference his love of film, and he has previously described himself as being "70% made of movies."
Legacy, Mortality and Creative Influence
Kojima's remarks in Rome are not the first time he has addressed the subject of mortality and legacy. In previous interviews, he has revealed that he has left his staff a USB stick containing game ideas to be used after his death, likening it to a creative will. According to reporting from VGC and Edge magazine, Kojima's perspective on ageing and the finite nature of creative work shifted significantly during the pandemic, when he experienced serious illness and underwent eye surgery. These events prompted him to consider how much time he might have left to create new games or films.
He has also spoken about his fears of dementia and the possibility of forgetting important ideas as he grows older. This anxiety has influenced both his personal outlook and his approach to game design, including the concept for a 'Forgetting Game' where the main character loses abilities if the player takes extended breaks.
Cinema's Impact on Kojima's Games
Kojima's appearance at Il Cinema in Piazza included panel discussions and the introduction of several influential films. On 4 July, he presented Shunya Ito's Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41, noting its inventive cinematography and the impact it had on his own creative approach. He also introduced Dario Argento's Profondo Rosso, praising its narrative structure and the way it reveals key information to both protagonist and viewer simultaneously-an effect he aims to replicate in his games.
His final presentation at the festival, alongside Death Stranding 2 actor Luca Marinelli, was Sergio Leone's The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Kojima highlighted the moral ambiguity of Italian Westerns and their influence on his narrative style, drawing parallels with Akira Kurosawa's films. These cinematic inspirations are evident throughout Kojima's career, from the early Metal Gear titles to the cinematic cutscenes and actor-driven performances in Death Stranding and its sequel.
Physical Media, Digital Concerns and Current Projects
Beyond his creative work, Kojima is a vocal advocate for physical media. In response to Sony's announcement that it will end physical disc production for PlayStation games in 2028, Kojima has publicly expressed concern about a digital-only future, warning of the risks to preservation and access. He continues to collect Blu-rays, DVDs, CDs and vinyl records, and frequently shares his latest acquisitions and film recommendations on social media.
Currently, Kojima is developing OD, an experimental horror game in partnership with Xbox Game Studios and filmmaker Jordan Peele. The project does not yet have a confirmed release window, and few details have been made public. Kojima's ongoing engagement with both film and games suggests that his future titles will continue to blur the boundaries between the two mediums.
Kojima's career is a prominent example of how cinema and video games can intersect, with his games often featuring cinematic lighting, extended cutscenes, and narrative techniques borrowed from film. His approach has influenced the broader industry, encouraging other developers to experiment with storytelling and presentation. As the debate over physical versus digital media continues, Kojima's perspective highlights the importance of preservation and the risks of losing access to creative works in an all-digital landscape.
Physical media remains a central topic in gaming, especially as platform holders move towards digital-only distribution. Physical discs and cartridges allow players to own, lend, and preserve games independently of online services or digital storefronts. As more publishers and platform holders announce plans to phase out physical releases, concerns about long-term access, game preservation, and the ability to play titles after servers close have become increasingly relevant for both players and creators.
